As some of you may have been aware I recently had the good fortune to attend the first public rotation of the Microsoft Certified Masters: Directory program.
So what's with the Purple Pain? Well anyone who works for Microsoft directly has a blue background to their badge. In order to gain access to our class room and other Microsoft facilities we were all given Business Guest badges - the backgrounds to these are purple.
I am not sure who suffered the most pain, Microsoft or the Students? We had some very long days which I know caused us pain - I'll leave it to your imagination how externals can be a pain to Microsoft :-)
So what did I learn?
I am not sure if I learnt loads or the course awoke long forgotten information from deep inside my head, jesting aside, I am sure I learnt loads but I think my brain is still busy filing it all.
I will up date this bit over the next couple of days.
Some quotes that I have heard post rotation have included:
"My troubleshooting skills have increased by over 500% as a result of this course.."
"ADFS is going to be really huge in the future, I can see the benefit of exposing it to us...."
Was it fun?
I met some great people from Microsoft and external companies during the rotation and each attendee contributed to a memorable learning experience.
Make sure you have a linked-in account; this will be a huge asset post rotation.
What to read?
I have a list of pre-reads that we were advised to read – I would strongly recommend reading it all.
This list will change - but it gives you an insight into what you should be reading now to be prepared.
http://www.dynamiceventsupload.com/upload/MCM-MCA/MCM/Directory/DirectoryTechnologiesPre-readingsv4.pdf
Where to really focus?
As there are two weeks virtually dedicated to the Directory Services aspects of the Active Directory family, I would strongly recommend spending some serious amount of your reading time here.
If there is a formula to something - learn it and then re-learn it.
Logistics
Accommodation
If you are on a fixed budget and only want a bed, don’t want to hire a car, can’t drive or banned from driving, providing the course stays in Building 11, the Homestead Suites (Redmond) are a 5 minute walk from Building 11 – ignore the path (sidewalk) come out of the Homestead Suites and walk though the underground car park of Building 26; across the fire assembly point; cross the road and then cut through the gap in the hedge avoiding the bottom part of the kerb as it’s full of Water (but covered by leaves). If you are coming from abroad – I would recommend paying for the hotel in your home country as this negates any fluctuation in the Exchange Rate – Week 1 cost me £500, Week 3 Cost me £600 once converted.
Food
Turn left out of the Homestead, back on to 156th, Turn left again until you reach a set of Traffic lights – turn right at these lights for a short walk to a Safeway’s, Red Robyn (Avoid this place at 38 years old, I got ID’ by a kid, I had a photographic ID but was told to order a beer, I needed a passport – like I bring that to the pub with me), there is a Denny’s and an I-Hop too. Another one to avoid is the Black Bear unless you like the smell of damp with your fries and table side irrigation from the window – it also does not sell beer.
There are two catering facilities opposite building 11, each has a different style of cooking but they both do sandwiches and wraps. The one directly opposite opens at 7:30am just in time for an 8am start. The other one - ask Ryan (Who's Ryan? - he should be your drill instructor for your rotation - think Louis Gossett Jnr from Officer and a Gentleman - but with hair).
Transport
Make sure you familiarise yourself with the other people on your rotation prior to travelling as they may arrive at the airport (or be really nice and come and get you) at the same time as you. I do not know how much a cab is from the Airport to Redmond, but our Journey took 45 minutes outside of rush hour (and we knew where we were going). There will be a distribution list created which will be available to you prior and post rotation, make sure you use it - but also learn who else is on it - I am sure on ours there is some serious lurking going on.
Social Events
Do not expect to drink any excessive amounts of alcohol during your rotation - if you do, then either you are Dean Wells and know it all already or you are not taking the program seriously enough.
Have I passed?
Nobody knows how they have done as of yet - this is a benefit of attending a beta rotation.
What happens if I get a headache or fill unwell?
There is a small pharmacy/drug store in every drinks area.
What happens if I get thirsty?
Impossible.
Personal Starbucks. - Free
Soft Drinks/Soda - Free
What Does Building 11 look like?
